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Today we have letters from November 7 and 9, 1917. They were sent from 22-year-old soldier Paul Zerzawy to his 18-year-old brother Robert. Paul playfully addresses his brother as “lawyer” because he has begun studying law in Prague.
Feldpost 211 7 XI 1917
Dear Robert!
I am giving you my current address so that I can soon learn why you have not written me recently. Right now, I am not able to write in detail. After 4 days full of wet weather and dirt, I finally arrived yesterday at about the place I thought I would end up. Overnight I was in a village which is our reserve position, and where our company will remain for another few days.
Before writing, I had to spend four hours this morning cleaning myself, my equipment and my military clothing from the excrement of two days of marching in Romania. I haven’t seen much of my new company yet.
From the first position, you can hear massive cannon explosions and very few rifle shots, so there is not very much going on right now. Please write in detail since for the past 14 days, I haven’t known what is going on with you. I will write as soon as I have time,
Paul
Card #2
9 XI 1917
Dear Robert!
Until now I am fine, I would just be glad to hear good things from you and the other dear ones. Yesterday I was promoted to sergeant. I will continue to number my postcards. Please do the same, and always confirm receipt. This afternoon I hope I will have time to write letters.
A kiss from Paul
One reason Paul hasn’t heard from his brother recently is that he had been writing to Robert at his law school address in Prague. That address is crossed out on both cards, with the forwarding address to their home in Brüx, Bohemia written in red. We saw in the October 3 post that Robert was doubting his law studies in 1918. Perhaps he was already feeling that way in 1917 and took a leave of absence?
Paul plays down any danger he is in, commenting on the uncomfortable march to his new position and mentioning the sounds of cannon fire as if it were nothing. He also makes nothing of his promotion – just a brief mention in the midst of the unceasing requests for news from the family.